Vance reopens base firing range Published Jan. 15, 2010 By 2nd Lt. Christopher Carrillo 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Vance base firing range has reopened after a 14-month upgrade. It was closed to turn the partially contained range into a fully contained range by adding a roof and side walls, said Tech. Sgt. Scott Robertson, NCO in charge of combat arms. A fully contained range allows shooters to use lead bullets, rather than frangible rounds which are only used for training. "It's always better to train with what you take into battle, so the more realistic, the better," said Sergeant Robertson. Vance added several other upgrades, including the capability for Security Forces to bring in a vehicle on the range to give Security Forces members the opportunity to practice shooting from a moving vehicle. The upgrade included new doors, radiant heat for the shooting area and garage doors between the shooting area and the target area to keep out wildlife and the weather. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for the facility on Jan. 28. According to Sergeant Robertson, Airmen need to come to the base firing range before transferring overseas or deploying. Airmen going overseas should call 213-7147 to schedule practice time. If deploying, Airmen should coordinate with their Unit Deployment Manager.